Canicross Conversations

Another of our inspiring Canicross Stories. Please do leave us a review and share our podcast with your dog friends.

In this episode, Michelle and Louise welcome Zoe Gow from Mindspace Journey to delve into how clinical hypnotherapy can strengthen the mind–body bond for runners, with a special nod to the unique connection between runners and their dogs. Zoe shares her personal journey from discovering hypnotherapy in the pandemic to training as a clinical hypnotherapist and supporting endurance athletes with performance, recovery and mental wellbeing. She explains how hypnotherapy works, the power of trance and subconscious suggestion, and how it complements sports psychology. The episode explores topics like calming pre‑race nerves, overcoming phobias (including goats on the Pennine Way!), stress relief, improving sleep, breath‑work and EFT tapping—even for the trail‑running duo of human and dog. Zoe outlines her typical six‑week programme, how it adapts for ultra‑runners, and shares practical tips and resources—including guided recordings and grounding techniques—for listeners to start applying immediately. This episode is a holistic guide to mental resilience, focus and relaxation, crafted to support both runners and their dogs.   Topics Introduction to hypnotherapy for runners Differentiating stage hypnosis and clinical hypnotherapy How hypnotherapy can help with race anxiety, fuelling issues, breathing & confidence Defining hypnotherapy & explaining trance Supporting injury recovery and pain management Evidence and acceptance in sports psychology Phobias: e.g. goats on the Pennine Way Managing runner–and‑dog anxiety Sleep support for endurance events Introduction to EFT tapping for calm Links Mindspace Journey Instagram: @MindspaceJourney Zoe’s website Guided downloads: breath‑work, sleep‑audio, EFT sequence

In this episode, Michelle Mortimer and Louise Humphrey welcome Professor Dawn Carnes, an expert in musculoskeletal health and chronic pain psychology. Dawn introduces a cognitive-behavioural approach to help runners and canicrossers break through mental barriers. She explains how thoughts, emotions and behaviours are interconnected and offers practical strategies: insight into automatic negative thinking, goal‑setting with SMART objectives, problem‑solving, self‑visualisation, and self‑compassion.   Through a live demonstration, Michelle and Louise explore addressing motivations, reframing “chore” workouts (e.g. running intervals) into enjoyable alternatives (like netball), and challenging negative automatic thoughts mid-run. The episode concludes with encouragement to tackle fears one small step at a time, reinforcing that change is achievable by breaking tasks into manageable chunks.   Topics Cognitive‑behavioural triad: thoughts, feelings, behaviours Behavioural activation: how exercise lifts mood with dopamine/cortisol Finding enjoyable alternatives to boring workouts Problem‑solving demo: overcoming injury with strength training SMART goals explained Challenging negative self-talk & predictions Avoiding perfectionism & embracing fluctuations "Compare and despair”: the impact of social media Five-step action plan for sustainable change

In this episode of Canicross Conversations, Louise and Michelle welcome rising star Matt Powell, a 16-year-old who is already a British, European, and World Champion in canicross. As if that weren’t impressive enough, Matt has   Key takeaways Matt discovered canicross at 12 and quickly rose to the top of junior ranks. He runs with two dogs and adapts training for each one's ability. Bikejoring adds variety and pace to his training regime. Mentorship has been crucial to his development and now he mentors others. The canicross community is supportive and welcoming to newcomers. Topics and timings 1.10 – how Matt got into canicross 6.25 – early training challenges and dog selection 9.40 – school running background and shift to longer distances 12.20 – training routines and bikejoring 17.10 – competing with two dogs and British Champs 20.30 – mentoring younger runners 24.15 – international races and upcoming world champs 29.40 – importance of family support and school life 33.50 – how to get started in canicross as a young person 37.15 – growing the sport and using social media 40.00 – future goals and quickfire round   Links mentioned Episode 131 with Gail Irvine Matt Powell on Instagram: @mattpowell.canicross

In this episode of Canicross Conversations, hosts Michelle and Louise chat to guest Ryan McKee about the world of bikejor. Ryan shares how he was first an ultra‑endurance mountain biker, taking a break from the sport due to burnout. His love for mountain biking reignited after adopting Rhubarb, their enthusiastic Hungarian Vizsla. What started as a behavioural solution evolved into competitive fun as the pair discovered canicross and then bikejor. Ryan describes his first bikejor race in Chepstow, talking about his preparation, race‑day experience, and how Rhubarb’s natural instincts helped them excel beyond expectations. From harness training and on‑trail communication to adapting fitness regimes and handling pre‑race nervous energy, Ryan talks us through the world of bikejor racing. Whether you’re curious about getting involved or seeking inspiration to rekindle your fitness with your dog, this episode offers real‑life advice, amusing mishaps and heartfelt reflections. It sets a reassuring tone for beginners and reminds seasoned competitors why fun and connection matter more than winning.   We cover: Introduction to Ryan and his mountain‑biking background How Rhubarb became his training partner First experience in canicross Motivation to move into bikejor Introduction to bikejor gear and harness safety How dog‑pull enhances bike traction and speed Pre-race preparation and warm‑up tactics Race event recap at Chepstow (NATB) Race‑day dynamics: overtaking, direction calls Finish results & reflecting on mindset Training takeaways post‑race Balancing dog’s fitness with self‑training Discussion: should dogs follow structured training plans? Fun rapid‑fire questions Key takeaways Introduce bikejor gradually; begin with canicross to build trust and communication. Harness sports can reveal and address dog behavioural issues. Bikejor enhances traction and fun, similar to e‑bike assistance. Direction cues (e.g. “left”, “right”) are crucial on technical courses. Partner motivation outweighs finishing position—dog‑led enjoyment matters most. Training both human and dog should focus on the weaker link first. Small, experienced‑led groups work best for beginners. Dogs don’t know race length—they'll give 100 % regardless. Our favourite quotes from the episode “It feels like you’re on rails when you go around the corner.” (Ryan) “It doesn’t matter whether you came first or last… you can see in her face she’s had the best time ever.” (Ryan) “The thing that helped me most was running with someone experienced—but not a big group.” (Ryan) “Dogs don’t know how far they're racing… they’re just there to give it their all.” (Ryan)   Links Ryan's Instagram page @scenicroute.adventures Nonstop dog-wear NATB dog sports events Episode 161 with Sarah on her first canicross race

Louise and Michelle catch up with BSSF Vice-President Howard Clark once again, to see how last season went, and what the future holds for canicross in the UK. Listen to our last chat with Howard in Episode 85

Dog selfies? Instagram and TikTok stars Fredrick and Royston, Golden Retriever brothers, are experts at them. We chat to their owner Hannah all about her Goldie social media stars. 

In today's episode we're joined by Belle from Canicross Midlands, who talks us through the rewards of marshalling at canicross races

In this deeply insightful episode of Canicross Conversations, hosts Louise Humphrey and Michelle Mortimer are joined once again by canicrosser and endurance athlete Tamara Beach to shine a spotlight on RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport). Returning after her first appearance in Episode 133, Tamara shares her personal journey through recognising, and recovering from, RED-S. The conversation is open, informative, and immensely relatable, breaking down medical jargon into real-life experiences. Tamara bravely discusses the physical and mental toll of under-fuelling in sport, her missteps with nutrition, and the pervasive influence of diet culture on female athletes. Listeners will gain a better understanding of how RED-S can manifest, why it’s not exclusive to elite or female athletes, and why proper fuelling – especially with carbohydrates and fats – is so essential. She also explains how she transitioned her mindset from restriction to recovery and performance sustainability, offering practical tips and encouragement for others who may be in similar positions. Whether you're a competitive canicrosser, recreational runner, or just trying to balance sport and well-being, this episode will resonate and inform. Tamara’s story is both a caution and a call to listen to your body and treat it with the respect it deserves.   Topics and timings 7.26 – introduction to RED-S and Tamara’s background 11.16 – understanding RED-S and energy deficiency explained 13.19 – early signs and influence of diet culture 15.07 – hidden symptoms and being on the pill 17.14 – fuelling myths and constant fatigue 19.14 – stress fracture as a wake-up call 22.13 – recovery approaches and baby steps 28.06 – navigating GP advice and diagnosis challenges 32.58 – medical tests, MRI and DEXA scan results 34.07 – realising individual ‘set points’ for body composition 35.33 – RED-S in sport: rock climbing and canicross examples 38.12 – spreading awareness and advice to others 42.54 – performance gains from consistent fuelling 45.02 – eating before morning training and second breakfasts 47.16 – wrap up and Tamara’s top advice for those who suspect RED-S

In this special episode of Canicross Conversations, hosts Louise and Michelle welcome back two popular guests: Georgie Lambert from Nonstop Dogwear and Katie Kirkup, founder of Trail Dog Events. Together, they unveil an exciting new venture: "Connect and Paws"—a human and dog wellness weekend set against the breath-taking backdrop of Druridge Bay, Northumberland from 4–6 July 2025.   Born from Katie's vision, and shaped into reality with Georgie’s support, this event invites the canicross and wider dog-loving community to take a break from the high-speed pace of life. Instead, it's all about slowing down, reconnecting with nature, bonding with your dog, and forming meaningful connections with others. Activities include morning cani-treks, yoga, Pilates, forest bathing, labyrinth walking, sound healing, photography walks, and expert talks on both human and dog nutrition. Designed for every type of dog and owner, whether you're a seasoned canicrosser or just enjoy a gentle stroll with your pup, there's something for everyone.   With limited spots available (only 50 tickets), this is an exclusive and intimate retreat. Expect live music, thoughtful journalling, delicious local street food, paddle boarding, and even glamping. It’s an immersive weekend designed to inspire mindfulness and wellness—for both ends of the lead.   Topics and timings 7.00 – Meet Georgie and Katie again 8.10 – The birth of Connect and Paws 9.05 – Why summer matters for community 10.50 – Event overview and intention 13.00 – Activities: from yoga to labyrinth walking 16.50 – Supporting dogs with space and respect 21.00 – Expert talks from Holly Barker and Renee McGregor 26.00 – What Georgie and Katie are most excited about 29.30 – Kit demos, community spirit, and good food Resources mentioned Episode 82 with Katie Episode 4 and 44 with Georgie   Links mentioned Connect and Paws: https://www.traildogevents.co.uk/connectandpaws Nonstop Dogwear: nonstopdogwear.com